Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Encinitas, CA

If you or your loved ones struggle with loud snoring, restless nights, or persistent daytime fatigue, our team is here to help. Dr. Sinclair and her caring team offer a fresh, hi-tech, and supportive approach to sleep apnea and snoring treatment in a bright, welcoming environment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This interruption deprives your body and brain of essential oxygen, leaving you feeling tired even after a “full” night’s sleep. While snoring is often the first sign, sleep apnea’s risks go much further, affecting your heart, focus, and quality of life. There are three main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Most common, caused by physical blockage of the airway as throat muscles relax.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, caused when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea: Involves both physical obstruction and signaling issues.

Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, memory problems, and even driving or work accidents due to daytime sleepiness.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Could sleep apnea be disrupting your life? Common symptoms include:

• Loud, frequent snoring (sometimes with choking or gasping sounds)
• Restless sleep or frequent waking
• Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or irritability
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
• Mood swings or depression
• For children, symptoms may include hyperactivity, bedwetting, growth concerns, or behavioral changes

If these signs feel familiar, a thorough evaluation is the next step.

Our Approach: Comfort, Technology, & Genuine Care

We start by building rapport and making you feel completely at ease. Our initial visits are relaxed, never rushed, and centered around you as a whole person. Dr. Sinclair and our expert team conduct the most thorough exams in North County—using advanced technology to look beyond the obvious. A sleep assessment may include a review of your sleep study, a detailed exam, and use of tools like:

• iTero® digital dental scans (for airway and bite)
• T-Scan bite pressure analysis
• EMG muscle activity testing
• 3D jaw tracking and BioPak

If you haven’t yet had a sleep study, we partner with local sleep specialists for proper diagnosis. We don’t just look at teeth—we look at the whole person, because your oral, airway, and overall health are deeply connected.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options at Sinclair Smiles

Effective sleep apnea treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Your customized plan will reflect your lifestyle, the type and severity of apnea, and your preferences for comfort and care.

Custom Sleep Appliances

For many of our patients, oral appliance therapy is a safe, comfortable alternative to CPAP. Using a professional-grade, custom-fitted dental device, we gently move your lower jaw forward or stabilize your tongue—keeping your airway open as you sleep. Benefits include:

• Silent, portable, and require no electricity (ideal for travel)
• Comfortable and quickly adaptable for most people
• Tailored to your unique bite and jaw relationship—never “one size fits all”
• Often covered by insurance when prescribed for sleep apnea

We use advanced digital impressions and 3D scanning for precise fit and comfort.

CPAP & Medical Collaboration

We understand that CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for moderate to severe cases. If you’re already using CPAP or have struggled with it, we’ll coordinate with your physician or sleep medicine specialist to ensure optimal outcomes. Our team can help evaluate oral appliance therapy as an option if CPAP isn’t working for you.

Surgical and Advanced Medical Care

For some (rare) cases where oral appliances and lifestyle changes are not successful, surgical solutions may be necessary. Sinclair Smiles does not perform surgical treatments, but Dr. Sinclair works closely with trusted specialists for advanced airway or surgical therapies and ensures all care is coordinated and transparent.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Support Your Treatment

Lasting relief from sleep apnea often combines professional care with at-home habits. We counsel our patients on evidence-based strategies, including:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Sleeping on your side
• Avoiding alcohol 4-6 hours before bed
• Quitting tobacco for better airway health
• Keeping a regular bedtime routine
• Promoting nasal breathing using saline rinses if recommended

Advanced Technology for Your Comfort

Sinclair Smiles features:

• Digital dental scans (iTero®) and T-Scan bite analysis
• EMG muscle and jaw activity testing (BioPak, M-Scan, 3D Jaw Tracker)
• NuCalm and Bi-Tapp for relaxation and anxiety relief during appointments

We believe “we cannot provide the best care unless we have technologies to help us provide the best service.”

FAQs: Sleep Apnea & Oral Appliance Therapy

Is my sleep apnea treatment covered by insurance?

Most dental sleep appliances are covered by medical or dental PPO insurance when prescribed for sleep apnea. While Sinclair Smiles is not in-network, we’ll submit and bill all PPO plans as a courtesy.

What about at-home remedies?

While professional treatment targets the root cause, lifestyle habits like side-sleeping and weight management can make a big difference. We support patients in making these changes.

Will a dental appliance hurt or change my bite?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort and adjust quickly. Temporary bite changes or mild soreness can occur. Dr. Sinclair uses specialty diagnostics to customize and adjust your appliance for long-term comfort and health.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by name and welcomed into our bright, modern office—on time, every time. 

During your complimentary consultation for sleep apnea or snoring concerns, Dr. Sinclair will listen, answer your questions, and perform any needed advanced diagnostics in a relaxed setting. 

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options and a plan for restful, healthy sleep.

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